How should we think about the embrace in Argentine Tango? What makes it unique? How do we embrace? I consider the embrace the most important aspect of the dance, and this is why I work under the name “Abrazo Tango.” Reflecting on the embrace in Argentine Tango is, in my view, akin to reflecting on the very nature of the dance itself. The way we embrace, and why we embrace, lies at the core of Argentine Tango.
I’ve long wanted to write about this topic, but I hesitated before starting. Can I possibly say something that hasn’t already been said? Who am I to speak on this? It almost feels too sacred. Yet, beyond the mystique, there are certain things I dare to write about. Let’s see how I do.
What is the embrace for in Argentine Tango?
This question can be answered in at least two ways: emotionally and technically. Abrazo means both to embrace and to hug. In Spanish, we use the same word whether you’re hugging a friend or embracing in the dance. That says something: technicalities aside, we embrace to meet another person on an intimate level. The intimacy we share in Argentine Tango is, for many of us, a powerful reason to love this dance. There’s a closeness that feels safe, an openness to show ourselves to the other with our flaws and our beauty. It’s easy to get lost in technicalities, and while they help us improve our dance, the essence—the possibility of a beautiful encounter with another person—always begins with a good embrace.
From a technical point of view, what makes Argentine Tango special is its highly improvisational nature. In our tango lessons, we learn patterns, but these patterns are not fixed—we’re constantly improvising. To move together, we must communicate with our partner. This communication is non-verbal, happening somatically—through the body and touch. The embrace, in this context, is our channel of communication. Through it, the leader proposes a movement which is understood by the follower, and the follower’s response to the proposal is perceived by the leader.
From closed embrace to open embrace in Argentine Tango
On one hand, the closed embrace offers a more intimate connection. It enhances communication because a larger portion of the body is in contact, thus providing more information. On the other hand, the open embrace creates space and offers more possibilities for movement, but it can weaken the connection. Some people start learning in an open embrace, while others begin with the closed embrace. The best approach, in my view, is to develop a dynamic embrace—one that transitions between open and closed depending on the space we need.
At the beginning, it helps to practice simple movements like walking or ochos in both open and closed embraces. Moreover, it’s also essential to understand how the closed embrace can be flexible, allowing for shifting within the hold. Practicing transitions—when and how to move from open to close or vice versa—makes the process smooth and organic. As we progress, the dance becomes more fluid, allowing for seamless movement between the two types of embrace.
How to improve your embrace in Argentine Tango: the technical questions
Like any form of communication, what we express through the embrace can have varying qualities—from blurry to crystal clear. Developing the quality of this communication is something we work on in dance lessons and during social dancing at milongas. Practicing isn’t just about memorizing a series of steps but also about learning how to communicate them clearly and comfortably through the embrace. A good embrace enhances our connection with our partner, enabling us to move together with ease.
Dancers are always balancing two aspects: structure and comfort. For the leader, the embrace needs to be structured enough to give a clear lead but flexible enough to be comfortable. For the follower, the embrace is often seen as passive—simply receiving the lead. However, I believe followers should also actively seek connection through the embrace while keeping the body relaxed.
A helpful concept in finding this balance is activation. Instead of focusing on a stiff frame, we activate the body and arms with intention, creating a loop of energy from our back, through our arms, and toward our partner. This intention never fully reaches the center of the embrace but remains present in the direction of the arms. One way to practice this activation is with an elastic band placed behind your back, stretched by your arms toward your center. This slightly exaggerated exercise helps you feel what it’s like to activate the embrace. Moreover, dancing with different partners improves the relational aspect of the embrace, helping you adapt to different bodies, styles, and approaches.
How to improve your embrace in Argentine Tango: beyond the technical
There’s a phrase in Spanish: pecho frío, or “cold chest.” It describes a dancer who, despite being technically proficient, lacks warmth or feeling in their embrace. While technical mastery is essential, it’s just as important to open yourself to a true, intimate encounter during the dance. To touch the other person not just with precision, but with care. After all, we’re all there for a shared love of the dance—what if we allowed that love to be felt more deeply in how we embrace?
This idea can be challenging, especially in cultures where physical touch is less common. Living in Finland, I’ve noticed how touch is often absent in social interactions. In Chile, we hug and kiss when greeting, and small touches are natural during conversation. In Finland, it’s normal to spend hours talking with friends without any physical contact. It’s no surprise that opening up to a warm, heartfelt embrace in Argentine Tango can feel unfamiliar here. Yet, if we can dare to connect through this physical closeness, we might discover a richer, more meaningful experience in the dance.
Ultimately, the embrace in Argentine Tango is not just about following a technical framework; it’s about the connection, trust, and vulnerability we share with our dance partner. Whether you are attending tango lessons or simply at a milonga, focusing on both the emotional and technical aspects of the embrace will deepen your experience. As you open yourself to this unique form of communication, you may find that every dance becomes a new, intimate dialogue that transcends words, creating an experience that lasts long after the music fades.
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